About
Cliste Hospitality

Our Story: Passion. Vision. Growth.

Ireland's Signature in Hospitality Managment

Founded in 2019, Cliste Hospitality began with a bold vision: to redefine hotel management in Ireland through community focus, strategic leadership, and long-term value.

Cliste was created through a management buyout by co-founders Paul Fitzgerald and Sean O’Driscoll, two leaders with over a decade of collaboration in hotel asset and capital management. This marked the beginning of an ambitious journey from managing 8 hotels to today’s portfolio of 16 unique hospitality venues, including 14 hotels and 2 independent restaurants across Ireland.

More than management — we build lasting value.
At Cliste Hospitality, we go beyond hotel operations. We develop hospitality businesses that become part of their community, enhance every guest experience, and create sustainable, future-focused value for owners and investors alike.

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CEO, Cliste Hospitality

Paul Fitzgerald

Sharp thinking, adaptability to change, and future planning are key strengths of Paul Fitzgerald, CEO of Cliste Hospitality. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountants in Ireland, Paul’s career began in the motor industry as a financial accountant. He then transitioned into retail, where he held several senior executive roles before serving as the Director of Finance, IT, Operations, and Buying for the Barry Group, a leading wholesale and distribution company in Ireland.

Since taking the helm at Cliste Hospitality, Paul has overseen remarkable growth, transforming the company from a five-person team managing a small portfolio of hotels to a robust team of over 40 professionals managing 16 businesses. His FMCG background brings new competencies in strategy formulation, commercial acumen, and transaction analysis to hospitality. Under his leadership, Cliste Hospitality has built a dynamic team well-positioned for future growth.  

 

 

Director of Hotels

Sean O'Driscoll

With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Sean O’Driscoll is renowned for his relentless pursuit of excellence, strong team values, and deep industry knowledge. 

Sean is one of Ireland’s most respected hoteliers, having held prominent positions such as Vice President of the Irish Hotels Federation and President of SKAL. He holds a degree in Hotel Management and began his full-time career in hospitality with a year at the Crowne Plaza in Geneva. Since then, he has worked in various roles across Ireland, including General Manager of the Muckross Park Hotel, before joining the iNUA Collection. He has progressed from Group General Manager to Chief Operating Officer, and now serves as Director of Hotels at Cliste Hospitality, and CEO of The iNUA Hotel Collection overseeing Operations, Commercial, Marketing, Revenue, Finance and People & Culture for that arm of Cliste’s portfolio. 

Our Leadership

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Mairea Doyle Balfe
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Executive Director Corporate Development
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Mairea Doyle Balfe

Executive Director Corporate Development

Mairea heads up Corporate Development for Cliste and has over 25 years' experience in operations and professional services. Mairea has worked in the US and Ireland on projects from concept development through feasibility, analysis, corporate finance and contract negotiations. Mairea has an MBA from TU Dublin, where she was awarded the Gold Medal for the MBA program. 

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Michael Ryan
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Chief Financial Officer
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Michael Ryan

Chief Financial Officer
Michael is CFO, and a KPMG trained Chartered Accountant. Michael has 25 years' experience in senior roles leading Finance, IT, HR and Audit teams in a large-scale retail and plc environment. Michael has a proven track record in building high performing teams, delivering efficiency and profitable, sustainable  growth.  
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Chris Austin
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Chief Operating Officer
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Chris Austin

Chief Operating Officer
As COO Chris heads up hotel operations. He has extensive operational and management experience across a diverse hotel asset type including urban full-service, luxury five-star and extensive resorts. He has worked in Ireland, the UK, Dubai and Barbados. Chris also heads up the Cliste sustainability strategy across the group.  
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Deirdre Buckley
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Director of People & Culture
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Deirdre Buckley

Director of People & Culture
Deirdre has over 20 years of HRM leadership in hospitality, retail, and wholesale industries, leading impactful programs and delivering high-value People & Culture initiatives.  Deirdre has established iNUA as a strong employer brand that attracts top talent and has led the transformation to a P&C division delivering high value performance.   
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David Jordan
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Executive Director of Innovation & Research
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David Jordan

Executive Director of Innovation & Research
David Jordan leads out Innovation and Research for Cliste. David excels in strategic planning, innovation, and business growth. With a robust background in academia, entrepreneurship, and management across various industries, he has driven significant business growth through his leadership and creative mindset. 
What Drives Us: Our Core Values at Cliste Hospitality

PEOPLE-FIRST VALUES. HOSPITALITY-DRIVEN PURPOSE.

At Cliste Hospitality, our values define how we work, lead, and grow. They shape the way we serve our guests, support our teams, and partner with hotel owners across Ireland.
Passion for Service
Why it matters: Hospitality starts with the heart.
We are passionate about creating memorable guest experiences. Every interaction is a chance to deliver more than expected — to delight, surprise, and ensure every guest feels truly welcome.
Integrity
What it means to us: Honesty in every relationship.
We uphold the highest standards of ethics and transparency — with guests, team members, partners, and suppliers. Trust is earned every day, and we never take it for granted.
Partnerships
How we grow: Through collaboration and shared goals.
We believe in building strong, lasting relationships — with hotel owners, local communities, and suppliers. Success is shared, and we’re all in this together.
Ideas Over Egos
Our culture: Everyone has a voice.
We create space for innovation by listening to all perspectives. Great ideas can come from anywhere — and we’re committed to a culture that celebrates contribution over title.
Agility
In action: Fast, flexible, and ready to adapt.
The hospitality industry never stands still — and neither do we. We anticipate change, act quickly, and empower our teams to adapt with confidence.

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Cliste In Numbers

Employees
1700
Rooms
1400
Hotels
14
Bars & Restaurants
22
Coffee Bars
4
Meetings and event spaces
78
Convention centres
9
Spas
5
Happy wedding couples
450
Leisure centres
8